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The Baron thought it over for the space of a mile, then said:
"You are sure the castle was not hurt by the fire?"
"Sure, only the two wings burned down."
"But the family is safe?"
"Yes, the family is all right."
When the horses entered upon their tenth mile, the Baron resumed his examination:
"Children all well?"
"All well and happy, except Janos and Maritzka, who were burned."
"Burned, oh Lord! And the Baroness, my wife?"
"Oh, she is better off than any of us. God has her in His holy keeping. She was burned to death. Yes, indeed, she died with her mother and in her arms."
"This is what I call breaking the news gently," said Mark.
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